Member Shop Tours

On Sept. 26, 2015, a small group of members took the opportunity to take a shop tour of three of our members: Ted Monk, Bob Baird and Gary Dumas.

The shops were quite different, reflecting the available space, the preferred wood projects, and the personality of the owner. We had lots discussion and good questions. At each stop, I picked up a few tips and tricks – and I know that I wasn’t the only one.

Shop 1: Ted Monk

Our first stop was at Ted’s who shared many of the tools and strategies for the amazing work he does turning bowls and art pieces. I might have to give turning another try. Ted also showed us the greenhouse that he has been building in recent weeks.

Showing the lathe and some other projects

Getting inspired at members’ workshops

wood and bowl blanks in various stages

Giving us some description of turning tools

Sharing some speciality turning tools

Comparing rests

Bowls in progress

Shot of the shop

And a different angle. Lots of blanks drying

Ted showing us how he would start turning the bowl

This piece has spoken yet about what it wants to be

Some finished projects

Several ‘celebration’ bowls

Shop 2: Bob Baird

Next stop was Bob, who says his claim to fame is keeping things simple. He had some great ideas for jigs and storage (I don’t think it will be long before Gary is duplicating some of those small drawer units).

Bob has made great use of cupboards and drawers

Gary liked Bob’s shavings sheep

Demonstrating some turning jigs

Showing a jig for cutting small strips – hinged to get out of the way for small cuts

Bob’s version of Sketch-up

Bob showing us his filter design

A woodstove helps keep the shop warm year round

Wise words for any shop

Shop 3: Gary Dumas

The final shop on our tour was Gary’s where we found some ways to really maximize space.

The length of each piece of wood

A drawer unit for some of the bits and pieces

All doors attached by magnets for greater flexiblity

And tools in pull-out compartments

A works space for doing plans and sketches

Drill bits on drawer sliders makes a compact storage area

Router jig that fits on table saw table

A pull-out trolley for jigs

Bandsaw foldaway extension for longer pieces

Table saw cover allows extra work space when table saw not required

Tips for cleaning blades

Table saw extension

Air filtration system hanging by chain and bungee for extra support.

After our busy shop schedule, we made a quick stop at Pilot’s Pub to finish the day. It was a fun and inspiring outing. Big thanks to ours hosts for opening their shop doors for visitors. We will definitely be planning another tour, perhaps in the spring. Let Gary know if you are willing to be one of the points on the tour. No shop is too big or too small. It would be great to get two or three sites in the same part of town as this made it much easier for us to connect.

This content is restricted to AWA members. If you are an existing user, please login. New users may register below.